Wonthaggi - Inverloch
Statistical Area - sa2

Wonthaggi - Inverloch lies within the top 10% of areas nationally in terms of population growth performance according to AreaSearch analysis of short and medium-term trends

As of August 2025, Wonthaggi - Inverloch's population is around 29,490. This reflects an increase of 2,698 people since the 2021 Census, which reported a population of 26,792. The change was inferred from the estimated resident population of 28,885 in June 2024 and an additional 974 validated new addresses since the Census date. This level of population equates to a density ratio of 40 persons per square kilometer. Wonthaggi - Inverloch's growth rate of 10.1% since the 2021 census exceeded the non-metro area (5.5%) and the SA4 region, marking it as a growth leader in the region. Population growth was primarily driven by interstate migration contributing approximately 88.3% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year. For areas not covered, AreaSearch utilises VIC State Government's Regional/LGA projections released in 2023 with adjustments made employing a method of weighted aggregation of population growth from LGA to SA2 levels. Growth rates by age group are applied across all areas for years 2032 to 2041. Based on demographic trends, the area is predicted to grow exceptionally, placing it in the top 10 percent of Australia's regional areas over the period with an expected expansion of 13,718 persons by 2041 based on the latest population numbers, reflecting an increase of 44.2% in total over the 17 years.

The level of residential development activity in Wonthaggi - Inverloch was found to be higher than 90% of real estate markets across the country

Wonthaggi-Inverloch has seen approximately 415 new homes approved annually. Development approval data is produced by the ABS on a financial year basis. Over the past five financial years, between FY21 and FY25, around 2077 dwellings were approved, with 46 approvals so far in FY26. On average, about 1.9 new residents arrived per year for each new home over these five financial years, indicating a balanced supply-demand market that supports stable conditions.

The average construction cost of new dwellings was approximately $570,000, slightly above the regional average, suggesting focus on quality developments. This financial year has seen around $167.2 million in commercial approvals, signifying strong commercial development momentum. Compared to the rest of Victoria, Wonthaggi-Inverloch records elevated construction activity, at 36.0% above the regional average per person over the past five years. This preserves reasonable buyer options while sustaining existing property demand, though recent construction activity has eased somewhat.

The area's new development consists predominantly of detached houses (95.0%) and a smaller proportion of attached dwellings (5.0%), preserving its low-density nature and attracting space-seeking buyers. There are approximately 91 people per dwelling approval in the location, indicating an expanding market. Looking ahead, Wonthaggi-Inverloch is projected to grow by around 13,026 residents through to 2041. Building activity is keeping pace with growth projections, though increased competition among buyers can be expected as the population grows.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch has limited levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the 18thth percentile nationally

Changes in local infrastructure significantly affect an area's performance. AreaSearch has identified 36 potential impact projects. Notable ones are Northern Views Estate, Wonthaggi North East Precinct Structure Plan, Summerfields Estate, and Parklands Estate, Wonthaggi. The following details the most relevant projects.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

While Wonthaggi - Inverloch retains a healthy unemployment rate of 3.8%, recent employment declines have impacted its national performance ranking

Wonthaggi - Inverloch has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors and an unemployment rate of 3.8% as of June 2025. There are 12,339 residents employed, matching Rest of Vic.'s unemployment rate but with lower workforce participation at 49.7%.

Key employment sectors include health care & social assistance, construction, and retail trade, with notable concentration in construction (1.3 times the regional average). Manufacturing is under-represented (5.1% vs Rest of Vic.'s 7.7%). Over the year to June 2025, labour force levels decreased by 0.7%, employment declined by 1.2%, and unemployment rose by 0.4 percentage points. In contrast, Rest of Vic.'s employment contracted by 0.9% with a similar rise in unemployment.

State-level data to Sep-25 shows VIC employment grew by 1.08% year-on-year, with an unemployment rate of 4.7%. National forecasts suggest employment growth of 6.6% over five years and 13.4% over ten years for Wonthaggi - Inverloch when mapped against its current employment profile.

The area's income levels rank in the lower 15% nationally based on AreaSearch comparative data

Wonthaggi-Inverloch's median income among taxpayers in financial year 2022 was $43,526. The average income stood at $55,874 during this period. This compares to the Rest of Vic.'s figures of $48,741 and $60,693 respectively. Based on a Wage Price Index growth of 10.11% since financial year 2022, estimated incomes as of March 2025 would be approximately $47,926 (median) and $61,523 (average). Census data indicates that household, family and personal incomes in Wonthaggi-Inverloch fall between the 10th and 14th percentiles nationally. The income bracket of $400-$799 dominates with 27.0% of residents (7,962 people), differing from surrounding regions where the $1,500-$2,999 bracket dominates with 30.3%. After housing costs, 85.8% of income remains, ranking at the 13th percentile nationally.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

In Wonthaggi-Inverloch, as per the latest Census, 92.8% of dwellings were houses, with the remaining 7.2% comprising semi-detached homes, apartments, and other types. This is similar to Non-Metro Vic., which had 93.3% houses and 6.7% other dwellings. Home ownership in Wonthaggi-Inverloch stood at 49.2%, with mortgaged properties at 30.1% and rented ones at 20.7%. The median monthly mortgage repayment was $1,467, higher than Non-Metro Vic.'s average of $1,450. The median weekly rent in the area was $298, compared to Non-Metro Vic.'s $295. Nationally, Wonthaggi-Inverloch's mortgage repayments were lower at $1,467 versus Australia's average of $1,863, and rents were also lower at $298 compared to the national figure of $375.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households account for 65.5% of all households, including 21.3% couples with children, 33.8% couples without children, and 9.6% single parent families. Non-family households make up the remaining 34.5%, with lone person households at 32.0% and group households comprising 2.5% of the total. The median household size is 2.2 people, which is smaller than the Rest of Vic. average of 2.3.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch shows below-average educational performance compared to national benchmarks, though pockets of achievement exist

The area's university qualification rate in 20.5%, significantly lower than Victoria's average of 33.4%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 13.7%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.5%) and graduate diplomas (3.3%). Vocational credentials are prominent, with 39.3% of residents aged 15+ holding them, including advanced diplomas (11.4%) and certificates (27.9%). A total of 24.2% of the population is actively pursuing formal education, with 9.3% in primary, 7.1% in secondary, and 2.4% in tertiary education.

There are 15 schools serving 3,513 students, with Wonthaggi - Inverloch having typical Australian school conditions (ICSEA: 996) and balanced educational opportunities. The educational mix includes 8 primary, 6 secondary, and 1 K-12 school. Note: for schools showing 'n/a' in enrolments, please refer to the parent campus.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Transport analysis shows 134 active stops operating between Wonthaggi and Inverloch. These are served by buses on 13 routes, offering 563 weekly passenger trips in total. The average distance to the nearest stop is 416 meters for residents.

There are approximately 80 trips daily across all routes, equating to about four weekly trips per individual stop.

Health performance in Wonthaggi - Inverloch is well below average with prevalence of common health conditions notable across both younger and older age cohorts

The health data indicates significant issues in Wonthaggi - Inverloch, with high prevalence of common conditions across both younger and older age groups. Approximately 48% (~14,155 people) have private health cover, lower than the national average of 55.3%.

The most frequent medical conditions are arthritis (11.6%) and mental health issues (9.3%). About 60% reported no medical ailments, slightly lower than the Rest of Vic's 61.6%. Around 29.3% (~8,643 people) are aged 65 and over. Health outcomes among seniors show some challenges but perform better than the general population in health metrics.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch ranks below the Australian average when compared to other local markets across a number of language and cultural background related metrics

Wonthaggi-Inverloch showed cultural diversity below average, with 84.7% born in Australia, 89.6% being citizens, and 95.1% speaking English only at home. Christianity was the predominant religion at 43.6%. Judaism's representation was notably higher at 0.1%, compared to 0.1% regionally.

The top three ancestry groups were English (32.8%), Australian (28.9%), and Scottish (9.4%). Dutch, Italian, and Irish groups showed notable divergences: Dutch at 2.5% vs regional 2.5%, Italian at 4.1% vs 3.4%, and Irish at 9.3% vs 9.3%.

Wonthaggi - Inverloch ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

Wonthaggi-Inverloch has a median age of 50, which exceeds the Rest of Vic figure of 43 and is well above the national average of 38. The 65-74 age group comprises 16.7%, compared to Rest of Vic's 12.9% and the national figure of 9.4%. The 15-24 cohort, however, is less prevalent at 8.9%. Post the 2021 Census, the 35-44 age group grew from 10.4% to 11.2%, while the 45-54 cohort declined from 11.8% to 10.9%. By 2041, demographic modeling projects significant changes in Wonthaggi-Inverloch's age profile, with the 25-34 age cohort increasing markedly by 2,254 people (80%), reaching 5,071 from an initial 2,816.